album: "The Theory Of Everything" (2013)

The dew of morning still glistens on the salt grass that grows along the foundation of the old lighthouse. I isn't in active service anymore, but has been renovated to serve as a private dwelling.

High in the tower inside, a young man is slumped on the floor in the corner of the room, apparently in some kind of trance. Somebody has put a blanked over him. He is deadly pale, but the steady, almost imperceptible rise and fall of his chest shows that he still clings to life. Standing next to him are young woman and an older man. Both are obviously shocked and distressed.

Their frequent glances toward the door give the impression that they're waiting for someone who is yet to arrive. On the wall next to them is a blackboard covered with impenetrable mathematical equations. The older man is holding a crumpled piece of paper - it appears to be a note scribbled in haste by an unsteady hand. What follows here is the story of what happened."

[Teacher:]
Will we ever understand
This complex genius
This visionary thinker

Will we ever get this close again
Uniting the forces
Of our universe

[Girl:]
Will we ever understand
His isolation
Or his sense of wonder

We will never get this close again
It’s been too long…
I think he’s gone

[02. The Theory of Everything part 1]

"11 years earlier

The Father, a brilliant scientist, has devoted his life to finding the Theory of Everything, the equation that will fully explain and unite all physical forces of the universe. He's obsessively working day and night; unaware that his wife and introverted son need far more attention that he has been giving them. The Mother has always supported her husband's scientific pursuits, but the strain of dealing with their asocial child's special needs has worn her down to the point of desperation."

[Father:]
I'm so close to the answer
A dazzling symphony of cosmic strings
I feel the pulse, vibrating just out of reach
The music of space

One single master equation
Unification of the great and small
I hear the notes but the arrangement is wrong
And I'm starting to doubt, but I can't give up now I'm so near

[Mother:]
Can't you see that I need you out here?
And what about our boy?
I think he's got something to give
What secrets lie... beyond these hollow eyes?

[Father:]
I'm sorry you feel neglected
But it's clear that you don't understand
I'm aware, and I want to be there
I just need some more time, for the answer is blindingly near

[Mother:]
Are you trying to drive us away
Just when we need you most?
You might find he's got something to give
What secrets lie... beyond these eyes?

[03. Patterns]

"The son is so withdrawn because his mind is overwhelmed by analyzing the chaotic stimuli of the world around him, and the mathematical patterns he sees in everything - even in nature. His brain seems to operate on a completely different level than other people's. There is something very special about him, indeed."

[Violin: Ben Mathot]

[Instrumental]

[04. The Prodigy’s World]

"The Mother is determined to connect with the Prodigy, but he is completely unresponsive. He is simply incapable of relating to her emotionally, even though on some level he wants to."

[Mother:]
Talk to me

[Prodigy:]
I know you’re there, but I won’t see you
I hear your voice but it can’t reach me

[Mother:]
Let me in

[Prodigy:]
It all seems so trivial
In the scheme of things

[Mother:]
Talk to me

[Prodigy:]
I feel your touch but it can’t move me
I hear your words but they confuse me

[Mother:]
Let me in

[Prodigy:]
It all comes to nothing
In the scheme of things

Patterns emerge in nature’s dance
Numbers are born in the wheel of chance
Why do I see this?
What does it mean to me?

A grand design in all its majesty
Vibrating strings, quantum gravity
Why was I chosen?
What does it mean to me?
Tell me why!

[05. The Teacher’s Discovery]

"7 years ago

As the students work on a test in science class, a gust of wind from the open window blows a paper full of math equations off the Teacher's desk. Unnoticed by the teacher, it lands at the Prodigy's feet. Already having finished the test, he picks up the paper. His face lights up as he begins writing."

[Teacher:]
I can’t believe… this can’t be true.
How could you know?
I’ve tried to solve this
For as long as I recall

Is this your work? Be honest now
How did you do it?
I’m not angry, boy
But I really need to know

[Prodigy:]
I’m sorry, sir, I can’t explain
It’s the way I’ve always been
You see, the numbers just appear
Before my eyes

[Rival:]
Don’t believe hi, no! He is envious!
I’ve felt it from the start
In every class, I’ve always been the genius
And he just wants to be like me

Don’t let him deceive you
He’s nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
Trying to take my place

Don’t let him deceive you
He’s nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
A total waste of space

[06. Love and Envy]

"Why is the Rival constantly bulliying the Prodigy? And why is the Girl compelled to protect him?"

[Violin: Ben Mathot]

[Girl:]
Why do you torment him, are you jealous?
There must be a reason you’re so cruel
What have you got against him?
Does he scare you?
What did he ever do to you?

[Rival:]
Oh no, I can’t believe
You’re falling for this loser
Oh no, I thought you knew
That I am so much cooler!

[Girl:]
Why do you despise him, are you frightened?
Are you being driven by your pride?
I think you feel threatened by his brilliance
But still you admire him, deep inside

[Rival:]
Oh no, I can’t believe
You’re falling for this loser
Oh no, I thought you know
That I am so much cooler!
Oh no, I always thought
That we should be together
Oh no, I really think
That you can do so much better

"The Teacher has become the Prodigy's closest friend - and the only person the Prodigy trust. He is glad to see the Prodigy's progress, but can't help wondering if something unhealthy might be behind it. Regardless, he is determined to help the Prodigy, who is having trouble finding his bearings in the strange new world that the drug is revealing to him."

[Violin: Ben Mathot]

[Teacher:]
I don’t mean to interfere, but I see quite a change in you
The distant gaze has disappeared
The brilliant light behind your eyes is shining through

[Prodigy:]
You’re right, it’s strange
It all seems different now
The mist has cleared, I’m finally awake
But it’s hard to change
I want to live but I don’t know how
I need someone to help me find my way

[Teacher:]
You can count on me
I’m glad to have such a mind to teach
Life doesn’t have to be a mystery
You can live my dream
And scale the heights I could never reach
We can play a part changing history
Our time is here!

I have to say, it’s unusual
Such a transformation, overnight!
I wouldn’t have thought it was possible
I don’t want to scare you, but it can’t be right!

[Prodigy:]
Well I don’t mind, cause I feel so much stronger now
For the first time the world is making sense

[Teacher:]
I’ll be your guide
It’s time to live and I’ll show you how
A world of endless wonder lies ahead!

[03. Collision]

"As the Prodigy's confidence soars, he is finally able to stand up to the Rival."

[Prodigy:]
I can’t believe I never saw
How insignificant you are

[Rival:]
Ha! You’re outshined in every way

[Prodigy:]
Well if you are such a genius
It didn’t get you very far!

[Rival:]
I’ll prove you wrong
My mind’s growing
Stronger each day!

[Prodigy and Rival:]
No, you won’t deceive me
You’re nothing but a fake
You’re a sad pretender
Trying to take my place

[Prodigy:]
All the years you bullied me,
Taking pleasure in my pain

[Rival:]
It serves you right
Accept your defeat!

[Prodigy:]
But now I realize you only wish
You had my brain!

[Rival:]
One day, you’ll see
You will be needing me!

[Prodigy and Rival:]
No, you won’t deceive me
You’re nothing but a fake
You’re a sad pretender
A total waste of space

[Rival:]
There can only be one

[Prodigy:]
I’m pretty sure that it’s not you!

[Rival:]
Mark these words
Cause one day you’ll see
You will be needing me!

[04. Side Effects]

"3 years earlier

The Psychiatrist comes to the Father with disturbing news..."

[Violin: Ben Mathot]

[Psychiatrist:]
I’m afraid we’ve got a problem
The side effects have been confirmed
Severe psychosis and delusions
We have to stop the trial today
It’s too dangerous
The boy deserves to know what’s going on
What have we done?!

[Father:]
Son, there’s something I must tell you
I’ve been giving you a drug
I was convinced that I would hep you
Can you forgive me what I’ve done?

[Prodigy:]
No! How could you live with that?
Deceiving your own son to serve yourself
You can go to hell…

[05. Frequency Modulation]

[Instrumental]

[06. Magnetism]

"As the devastated Prodigy rushes to school to find the Teacher, he runs into the Girl and the Rival. He explains that he's left home because his Father has been secretly dosing him with a drug.

[Cello: Maaike Peterse
Uilleann Pipes: Troy Donockley]

[Prodigy:]
Now I’ve told you everything
Now there’s nothing more to hide
I’ve got nowhere else to go
Can I stay with you tonight?

[Girl:]
After all that you’ve been through
How could I turn you away
We were always meant to be
I don’t care what people say

[Rival:]
Don’t you believe it
Don’t be a fool
Manipulate you
Is all he wants to do

He will deceive you
You’re being used
Don’t let him play you
All he wants to do
He wants to be with you

[Prodigy:]
The meds create a perfect world
Patterns, purpose, clarity
How will I ever live without?
What should I do… what’s happening to me?

[Girl:]
Don’t you worry, it’s all right
I will keep you safe from harm
Together we can beat this thing
Before the damage goes too far

[07. Quid Pro Quo]

"2 years ago

The Prodigy has been living with the Girl for some time now, but her loving attention is not enough. Without the drug, the overwhelming chaos in his mind returns, shutting him down and causing him to return to his introverted self. The the Rival comes up with a compelling but devious suggestion."

[Low Whistle: Troy Donockley]

[Rival:]

Let’s make a deal
I’ll get you what you need
You know I am a brilliant chemist
I can duplicate your drug, but my offer has a price
If you want a new supply
You have to help me

[Prodigy:]
Count me in, I’ll do anything you want
But isn’t it ironic?
The fates must be laughing
Your greatest enemy
Is the one who holds the key
What do you need from me?

[Rival:]
I’ve found a way to infiltrate the banks
If you can break their algorithms
And bypass their systems
There’s millions to be made, and all without a trace
We can’t lose here

[Girl:]
This can’t be true
Now who’s being used?
Don’t let it end this way
It hurts me to tell you, you’re gonna have to choose
What you really wanna do
Don’t let me down!

"The Prodigy faces his own dilemma: Should he do something he knows is wrong - and even risk losing the Girl - to get the drug? The very drug that made his life possible? Hoping that the Girl will understand, he agrees to help the Rival."

[Rival:]
Our plan has succeeded
We are rich beyond belief
We got more than we ever needed
We’re free to live out our dream

[Girl:]
I won’t be part of this nightmare
I cannot live with what you’ve done
Get out of my life

[Prodigy:]
What have I done?
Now she’s gone…
What have I done?
Now she’s gone…

[Girl:]
I feel his shadow looming over me
Leaving me defeated and confused
His eyes still haunt me, if only I’d done more
Maybe I gave up on him too soon…

[Mother:]
I share your sorrow, but we are not to blame
His heart has always been a mystery

[Girl and mother:]
We’ll never fathom, we’ll never understand
Did he ever need us, were we real
Or mere reflections in a mirror of dreams?

[Girl:]
What holds his future, how will he survive?
Without us to save him from himself
Where has he run to, will he return?
I hope he knows I wish him well

[Mother:]
It’s up to him now, there’s nothing we can do
I fear we cannot give him what he needs

[Girl and mother:]

Are we but phantoms inside his tangled mind?
Will he ever need us, are we real…
Ore mere reflections in a mirror of dreams?

[11. The Lighthouse]

"After being rejected by the Girl, the Prodigy turn to his only friend, the Teacher. The Prodigy needs a safe place where he can work on the Theory of Everything and take time to sort himself out The teacher knows of the perfect place - there's an old renovated lighthouse up for sale. After pulling off the bank scam with the Rival, money is no object: the Prodigy buys the lighthouse and retreats there, virtually going "off the grid." The teacher is the only one who knows his whereabouts, and checks on him every day."

[Cello: Maaike Peterse
Contrabass Flute: Jeroen Goossens]

[Teacher:]
It’s time to put things in perspective
Find your way again
Let me take you to the lighthouse
Where you can hide away

[Prodigy:]
I only want to be alone
To work the numbers on my own
I need to show my father
I need to show them all… I am the one

[Teacher:]
Your time has come

[Prodigy:]
To unlock the equation

[Prodigy and Teacher:]
The Theory of Everything

[Teacher:]
If you’re troubled by the visions
The chaos in your mind
If the voices start to whisper
Call me, day or night!

[Prodigy:]
Don’t worry, I’ll be fine

[Teacher:]
Don’t underestimate the danger

[Prodigy:]
I’m gonna make the theory shine

[Teacher:]
You’ll regret it sooner or later

[Prodigy:]
I need to show my father
I need to show them all… I am the one

[Teacher:]
Our time has come

[Prodigy:]
I will find the equation

[Teacher and Prodigy:]
The Theory of Everything

[12. The Argument 2]

"The tension between the Mother and the Father comes to a head."

[Father:]
Without him it’s all over
We’ve got to bring him home again

[Mother:]
He doesn’t want to see you
Can’t you get that through your head?

[Father:]
But you can make him listen
All I need is one more chance

[Mother:]
No! I can’t take any more
You never gave a damn!

[13. The Parting]

"Yesterday

After months of fruitless
arguments with the Father
the Mother finally takes action."

[Mother:]
And so it ends
It’s time to let go
My spirit is crushed
Forsaken and cold

I’m leaving you
No tears left to cry
You’ll never change
I’ve made up my mind
This is goodbye

[Father:]
So this is the end
How can I go on?
My dream’s unfulfilled
And now I’m alone

I let them down
I pushed them away
No reason to live
I’m ending this pain
There’s no other way

Only one thing left to do…

[Orchestration: Siddharta Barnhoorn
Guitar Solo: Steve Hackett]

[14. The Visitation]

"Last night.

The Prodigy has been working on the Theory of Everything for months now. He's totally exhausted, but is sure that the final missing piece is just around the corner. Then one evening he gets an unexpected visitor."

[Father:]
I’m down here on my knees
Feeling the weight of shame
How could I have done this
To you, my son?

[Prodigy:]
I can’t believe my eyes
Is it really you?
Why should I forgive you
After all you’ve done?

[Father:]
I was driven and blind
Not so unlike yourself
We can still work together
If you allow me

[Prodigy:]
Why should I give you a chance?
Why should I trust you now?
Ha… I bet you are helpless
Without me

[Father:]
If we join our minds
Then together we can do this

[Father and Prodigy:]
We both want to be the first
We both want to change the world

[Father:]
We can work all night
'Til we find out what the truth is

[Father and Prodigy:]
We’ll solve this mystery
Be a part of history

[Prodigy:]
I’m so damn close

[Father:]
I’ll fill in the blanks

[Prodigy:]
I could use a hand

[Father:]
Just give me this chance

[Prodigy and Father:]
For we’re on the verge of a breakthrough

[Father:]
The meds help me not to sleep

[Prodigy:]
It's too late to stop now

[Father:]
I'll take just a few more

[Prodigy:]
Just 'til the answer is found

[Prodigy and Father:]
We can make it,
We'll find the truth

Let’s join our minds
It’s our destiny to do this
We’re going to be the first
We’re going to change the world

We’ll work all night
'Til we find out what the truth is
We both know we’ll never sleep
'Til we make this quantum leap
We are in this way too deep

[15. The Breakthrough]

"Together with his Father, the Prodigy works feverishly all through the night. He takes a far greater dose of the drug than usual, thinking it will help him see the solution."

[Prodigy:]
Isolate the graviton

[Father:]
Verify the Higgs-Boson

[Prodigy:]
Photons, hadrons

[Father:]
Gluons, fermions

[Prodigy:]
Demonstrate the tachyon

[Father:]
Find the missing baryons

[Prodigy:]
Neutrons, protons

[Father:]
Nucleons, electrons

[Prodigy:]
Ride a wave of gravity

[Father:]
Unravel super symmetry

[Prodigy:]
Position x, sparticles

[Father:]
Momentum p, dark energy

[Prodigy:]
Einstein’s relativity

[Father:]
Meets Heisenberg’s uncertainty

[Prodigy:]
Causality, eternity

[Father:]
Singularity, infinity!

[Prodigy:]
Eureka! We found it, we broke it

[Father:]
Eureka! We solved it, we did it!

[Prodigy:]
Eureka! We made it, we cracked it

[Father:]
Eureka! We nailed it, we got it!

[16. The Note]

"The Prodigy is exhausted by his mental efforts, and -on the verge of collapse - summons the last of his strength to write a note for his friend, the Teacher."

[Prodigy:]
Dear friend, my work here is done
Science has evolved
As the sun set on father and son
The mystery was solved

On his daily visit to the Lighthouse, the Teacher is stunned at what he finds: The Prodigy is slumped in a corner, totally unresponsive, his hand clutching a crumpled note. The Teacher reads the note and immediately phones the Girl, who rushes over to the lighthouse. When she arrives, the Teacher can hear her hurriedly saying goodbye to someone as she bursts into the room, fumbling to put away her phone. Her eyes are already red from crying, but a flood of new tears erupts whe she sees the Prodigy. She turns to the Teacher to find out what happened..."

[Teacher:]
His mind took flight
And his eyes have lost their light
All we have to go on is a note

They changed the world last night
Working together, side by side
His father is the only one who knows

[Girl:]
You haven’t been told?
That was his mother on the phone
There was a tragedy last night

His father can’t have been here
It had to be a ghostly dream
For at the fall of day he took his life!

[18. Dark Energy]

"The Prodigy clearly believed that his Father helped him. But how is this possible?"